Door latch



Nov. 20, 1951 E, NELSON 2,575,972

DdOR LATCH I Filed Feb. 13, 1947 2 Sl-lEETS-Sl-EET 1 INVENTOR- eemw 0. E. NELSON DOOR LATCH Nov. 20, 1951 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2 Filed Feb. 13, 1947 m n 5% w. 6 m :M ii i Patented Nov. 20, 1951 sures rarelvr OFFICE DOOR LATCH 0 scar E. Nelson, Detroit, Mich. AppIication FebruanylIZ, 1947, Serial No. 728,267

2 Ql im ew "The presentinvention relates tolatching mechanismdor. swinging doors, relating more partied-1 larly Dan improved catch .for use inconnection with cupboard doors or similar comparatively small closures.

"Heretofore, various devices have been .suggestedfouholding a cupboard door,or the like in a- ,closed positionwhile permittingittobe opened whenever one wishes; to do so. Devices of this character, with which I am familiar, have not proved entirely satisfactory. Forinstanoe, one such device incommon use utilizes a fixed resilient clip whichsprings apart to grip a projecting nembercarriedbythedoor. The door is opened bymullingthe projectingmember out of the clip. jinother type of latching means often employed utilizes aleverwhieh is, pivotally mounted on the door and whichis movahlelup anddown to enease Q 7; disengage aflxed member attached to a shelfi or the lilge. Devices. of the character-mentioned have proved-inconvenient to operateand he m-tended to getout of order easily, especially after use because the parts are-often bent or wear excessively. A1550, thepivotedleveror projecting member carried by the door-and the fixed membenmustbe.mQs sa ei HY ali n d f he device is to operate well. ;No simply constructed latch.- ingdevice of the kind contemplated herein has heen s ggestedwhichispositive in its action,

Accordingly, itisa principalobjeot of the present invention to provide a latching devicefor a door orthe like which-avoids thedefectsor disadvantages of formerlatching devices or minimizes such detects or disadvantages to an important extent and, more particularly, it is an object of m inv nt on pro. a latchi evi e wh o b es i a l i r mrlee d omna form such esir f at eles t ss .ofn re he o en n nd dosn ides ur eo opew tion l e ic encv end fliebi .i it. is ano r. obiecio th nvent Q-pr d an im v do rn eic Q1 caihv .i u a 1 an i s ne ns mciim but wh h is, n theless, comparatively, simple, which is easy, and c e en o o er t andm ivha s d p to latch the, door automatically. when the door'is losed. w ou re rin man al o era i n of the le qh srneens- Y i. hamm r select tithe in nt n o pr .vide a chinamechani m re m r vely small swinging seamen manually 019 i the following description and appended claims,

reference being. had to the accompanying drawings. forming .a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.

Fig. 1 is a vertical sectional view showing a partoi a door. and a part of, a fixed member assoelated therewith, said-door and said member be: ingequipped with latching means comprising one embodiment of the present invention.

Rigs; 2 and3. are end elevations of the form of the invention shown in Fig. 1,- Fig. 2. being taken along theline 2-2 of Fig. 1' inthe direction of the arrows and illustrating.thelatching meanain its latched position, while Fig. 3 shows thesame latehingmeans inits unlatched position.

Fig. dis a view similar to Fig. 1, but illustrates a diflerenttype of bolt mechanism which may be utilized in connection with my invention.

-Fig. 5 is an exploded view showing, in a disassembled condition, the parts of the form of the invention illustrated in Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is an end elevation generally similar. to Figs. 2 and 3, butshows the latching means. of the present invention when adapted for latchingthe door to a vertical surface rather than toa horizontal surface.

Fig. 7 is a partial vertical sectional viewof a modification of the invention showing, in parties ular,-a different-type of striker devicewith approi i ioe si h be t o ere eeih r with.

Fig. 8 is a detailed view showing, in particular, a v stop which may be employed to .prevent eixcessive rotation of thehandle, theview beingtaken along the line 8..-8 oiFig. 7 in the. directionofthe arrows.

Fig. 9 is anend elevation, partially in. section, of the form of the inventionshown in Fig. 7 apdistaa n along the u e after F g? 7 inf-the a. .livw ih revs Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 7, but shows a different type of bolt structure which is suitable to operate with a striker similar to that illus trated in Fig. 7.

Fig. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the form of the invention shown in Fig. 10 and is taken along the line lI-H of Fig. 10 in the direction of the arrows.

Before explaining in detail the present invention it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings, since the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phrase'ology or terminology employed herein is for the pur- I pose of description and not of limitation- Referring to Figs. 1 to 3 inclusive of the draw- .edge in the usual manner to a suitable frame or door jamb so that it may swing into an open or a closed position. The reference numeral 2! indicates a generally horizontally positioned shelf forming a stationary part of the cupboard for which the door forms the closure. As shown in Fig. 1, the door 20 is adapted, when closed, to occupy a position closely adjacent the shelf 2|.

To the shelf 2!, there is attached a suitable striker device or keeper indicated generally at 22,'which is adapted to be engaged by the bolt 23 for latching the door and holding it in a closed position. Naturally, the bolt is adapted to be disengaged from the striker to permit the door to be opened. In the form of the invention shown in Figs. 1 to 3 inclusive, the striker device 22 is simple in constructionand comprises a rigid member formed with right-angularly disposed legs 22a and 22b. The leg 22a is attached to the under surface of the shelf 2| and serves as the means for holding the striker fixedly in place. Consequently, the leg 22b provides an upright depending part adapted to be engaged by the bolt in the manner explained hereinafter. Suitable fastening elements, such as the screws illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3, may be employed to attach the striker 22 to the shelf 2|.

With the exception of the striker or keeper 22, the remaining parts or elements of the latching mechanism are carried by the swinging door 29. Generally speaking, such remaining parts comprise the bolt indicated as a whole at 23, the sleeve 24 within which the bolt 23 rotates, and'the handle which is attached to the bolt for operating it. As shown in particular in Fig. l, the sleeve 24 is fitted within an appropriately positioned and dimensioned opening passing transversely through the swinging door 29. It is held fixedly in place by suitable fastening elements, such as the screws illustrated. Preferably, the sleeve 24 is provided with an exteriorly positioned lateral flanging forming a head portion 28 which may serve to carry said fastening elements. The head portion 28 also serves as a bearing surface against which the end faceof the handle 25 may rotate.

' Within the sleeve 24, the shank or shaft portion 2? of the bolt 23 is fitted for rotation. It will be noted that this shank of the bolt 23 extends outwardly beyond the door 20 and is fitted into a suitably dimensioned bore extending longitudinally into the end face and upper portion of the handle 25. The handle 25 is secured to this extending portion of the shank 21 for rotation therewith. Suitable means may be used for so attaching the handle 25 to the shank 21, such as the set screw 28 which is threaded into an appropriate lateral bore shown in Fig. 1.

' The bolt 23 is offset, as shownat 29 (Fig. 1), finally terminating at its inner end in an inclined portion shown at 30. Accordingly, the inner part of the bolt 23 possesses a substantially right-angled bend forming the offset 29 as .well as an acute-angled bend so arranged as to provide the inclined terminus 30.

The inner tip of the end portion 39 may lie in the same horizontal plane as the axis of the shank 21, and the bend between this inclined portion 30 and the end of the offset 29 may form a 45 angle or an angle approximating 45. However, the inclined portion 30 does not necessarily have to be made in the exact way mentioned, pro vided that it is inclined in the direction of the axis of the shank 27.

The operation of the embodiment of the invention shown in' Figs. 1 to 3 is convenient and simple. In Figs; 1 and 2, the bolt 23 is shown in its latched position. When in this position, the offset 29, forming a part of the 'bolt, engages the inner side of the upright leg 22!) of the striker or keeper 22. The inclined end portion 30 of the bolt 23 projects inwardly beyond the striker. When the latching mechanism" in its latched position, the handle 25 is sub stantially vertically positioned. Also, the offset 29 and inclined end 30 are angularly positioned with respect to theface of the leg 22b-"-see angle a of Fig. 2. In addition, the end portion 36 of the bolt 23 is inclined toward the axis of the shank 21, which means that it is down wardly-inclined when the latching mechanism is in its latched position-see angle 1) of Fig. 1. It will be readily understoodthat the door will remain latched when the offset 29 engages the inner side of the depending leg 22b of the keeper 22in spite of the angular position which the offset 29 may occupy with respect to the face of the leg 22b. However, this angular position of the offset 29 aswell as the angular position of the inclined end 30 is important for automatically latching the door, as explained in detail hereinafter.

In 'order to open the door, it is necessary to disengage the offset 29 from the leg 22?) so that the bolt 23 may pass the keeper 22 to permit opening movement of the door 20. In the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3, the offset 29 is disengaged from the keeper 22 by rotating the handle 25 preferably in a counterclockwise direction with respect to the operator, which, of course, also rotates the shank 21 of the bolt 23 in the same direction. such movement of the handle 25 and shank 21 moves or shifts the offset 29 and inclined end 30 from the position in which they are shown in Fig. 2 to that in which they are shown in Fig. 3. In other words, the ofiset 29 and inclined end 30 are shifted from their raised position to a. generally horizontal position. Furthermore, when the'offset and end portion arein this horizontal position, all parts of' the bolt 23 are spaced from the striker 22, as illustrated in Fig. 3, thus permitting the bolt to clear the striker when the handle 25 is pulled to open the door.

As :the door opens, the offset 29 and inclined .end"3,0 pass-underneath the striker 22. and are ,finallyparried away 'f-rom it altogether after the door has been opened. The handle 25 is then released and will return to the position in which it is shown, in Fig, 2 from. the position in which it is shown in Fig. 3. The handle is so arranged that its center of gravity is 19081".

tioned below the axis of the shank 21. Consequently, the force of gravity requires that the handle,-when released in the position in which it is shown in Fig. 3, will have to return to the position in which it is shown in Fig. 2. In so doing, the handle 25 will rotate the bolt 23in aclockwise direction and will return the offset 29:and end portion 30 of the bolt 123 to their raised positions. In other words, the parts of the latching device are returned to their latching positions by the movement of the handle 25 in returning to its vertical position, although the door cannot actually be latched since it is open and it is impossible for the bolt to engage the striker under such circumstances.

If it is desired to latch the door, it is only necessary to close it-it is not necessary to grasp the handle, although that can be done if desired. In view of the foregoing explanation, it will be understood that as the door is being closed the handle 25 and the bolt 23 will approach the striker 22 in the position in which they are shown in Fig. 2. Thus, the end portion 30 of the bolt 23 approaches the leg 22b of the striker 22 at an angle in respect to a vertical plane (angle fa of Fig. 2) and at the same time at an angle it is shown in Fig. 3. Continued closing move-- ment of the door causes the end 39 to slide against the bottom edge of the leg 22b and be forced further and further toward a horizontal position, thus continuing counterclockwise rotation of the bolt 23. Finally, the end portion 3% and the oliset 29 will be shifted into a substantially horizontal plane, which means that they are in a position to clear the leg 22b of the striker 22. Accordingly, as the door reaches its closed position, the end 30 and offset 29 will have moved inwardly past the leg 22b of the striker 22. After the offset 29 and end til have so moved past the striker 22, the handle 25will return to its substantially vertical position (Fig. 2) from the raised position (Fig. 3) into which it was forced by the latching movement described immediately above. The handle 25 will return to-this vertical position because its center of gravity is so positioned that it must do so for the reasons explained previously. The return of the handle '25 to its vertical position-rotates the bolt 23 in a clockwise direction to place the oifset 29 and the end-ill in their raised positions. As a result, the offset is placed behind-or is brought into engagement with the ,innerside of the leg.22b of the striker 22, which means, of course, that the door islatched, pointed out in detail hereinbefore.

In Figs. 4 and 5, there is illustrated in particular a different type of bolt mechanism. In general, the structure of this form of my invention is similar to that illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3 scribed above, particularly in that the striker or keeper 22 :is of the same construction and the frame.

latchil-iszmechanism i mountedgonthess meitype of door 28 with its associated shelf 2i. Further.- more, the handleZE is verysimilar in cons truotion to that illustrated in Figs. 1 to;3,,asisgthesleeve 3. However, the bolt mechanism is of; a two.- iece-construction includingas one, part anelongated tubular member M which. issecured. tol the handle-25 and functions in places? thershank fl. Preferably, the tubular member :5 is, :formed integrally with the ,handlev 25 to .zproyide, a one.- piece-lconstruction, thereby eliminatingwthel set screw 28. as wellas thebore 1 within yWhiChllhe latter operates. Thus, the'structure illustrated .in-Figs. dancl 5 is simpler to. manufaoturethan tl latyshownin Figstl -to 3, although. it may seem more complicated: To the ,tubularmember a3], there is attached an end PiBGG- ShOW'L'L'La-SB, whole .32. This end piece is shaped to form theofiset Eilaswell astheinclined terminus til .andeis provided with, a short threaded shank whichv is adapted; to ,be threaded into'the. sleeved! in the manner best shown. in Fig. 4. In order-that end-piece $2 andthe tubular membeniil. may operate as a unit to. provide alatch' bolt, aijam nut: 3.31s ,provideduwhich is threaded onto the shank of the end'piece132and1is.tightenedagainst the end face of thesleeve 3L: therebyatightly holding the. end piece :32. against the :tubular member 3!.

When the: handle Z5 is rotated, thew-tubular member and the end apiece 32-rotate with-it. Therefore, the connectedmembers 32 and 31- operateas a bolt whichisattachedto the handle 25 and functions -ina manner comparable to the bolt 23. .In'fact, insofar as its: operation is concerned, the formofthe invention shown in 'Figsad and5 is like that shown in Figsfi lto 3 inclusive-and described in detail above. *Toodescribe thisoperation briefly, the ofiset 291513051- tioned in engagement-with the depending leg 22b of the Striker 22 to latch the door -and hold it in a closed position in the manner ShOWniln"Fig: 4. "To release the door, the handle 25 is rotated ina counterclockwisedirection, thusrotating the offset 29 and terminus-30 to position' them in agenerally horizontal plane and permit them-toolear the striker 22. The door may then' be opened. Uponreleasing the-handle 25, the ofi-set 29 and terminus 38 will return totheir latching-positions. Accordingly, when the door is closed, the terminus 30, which is inclinedrelative to the depending leg 22b of the striker 22, is-rotated until it and the ofiset lZB passthe striker-22, whereupon the-bolt latches itself, as shown'in Fig.4.

Itwill be observed that in the, forms of the invention-described above and "shown in Figs. 1 to 5 -inclusive thestriker 22 is attached to a generally horizontally -positioned-portion of the 3 door framashelf', or other portionof the cupboard associated with the door. In some instances, it may be desirable to mount thev striker or'keeper zl upon a verticalsurface; such as-the side wall of the cupboard or a pillar-of the door One suitable installation of this kind is illustrated in Fig. 6. As there shown, the striker 22 is affixed to avertical or upright member so thatits projecting leg 22? extends in a; horizontal plane. However, the operation of-thedevice remains as described in detail hereinbefore. It-will be observed in particular-that as the terminus-3E! of the bolt-23 approaches the leg 22?) it is so posi- 'tionedthat it is inclined-downwardly with; respect to the generally horizontal leg of the striker-:22 and is alsodispesed at amang-le-w-ith respect-to a vertical plane. Accordingly, when the door 20 is shut, the inclined terminus 30 will strike the generally horizontal leg of the striker 22 and will be rotated to place the bolt and the handle 25 in the position shown in the dotted lines of Fig. 6. Thus, the bolt 20 is permitted to clear the striker, and, having cleared it, the gravity operated handle 25 will return the bolt to its latching position; that is, to the position in which it is shown in solid lines in Fig. 6. In this position, the offset 29 engages the striker 22 to hold the door in a closed position. The door may be opened in the manner entirely comparable to that explained in detail above; that is, the handle is rotated to the position shown in dotted lines (Fig. 6) to permit the bolt to clear the striker or keeper 22 so that the door may be opened.

In the modification of the invention shown in particular in Figs. '7 and 9, the bolt, shown as a whole at 23, is similar to the bolt discussed in connection with the modification of the invention shown in Figs. 1 to 3; that is, it is of an integral or one-piece construction having a shank 21 and an oifset or angled end 29. However, the bolt could be of the two-piece construction discussed in connection with the modification of the invention shown in Figs. 4 and 5; In either case, however, the bolt of the present modification of the invention differs in that it terminates at the offset portion 29 and is not provided with an inclined end 39. Moreover, the position of the bolt 23 relative to the handle 25 and the striker 22 differs from the previously discussed modifications of the invention. In its latched position, the bolt 23 is so disposed that the offset 29 lies in a generally horizontal plane and engages the upright rear wall of the flange 36 to hold the door in place (Fig. 9). When the latching mechanism is in this latched position, the handle 25 is substantially vertically positioned. To unlatch the door, the handle 25 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction with respect to the operator from the position in which it is shown in solid lines in Fig. 9 to the position in which it is shown in dotted lines. Such movement of the handle 25 will shift or lower the offset 29 to position it in the general way shown in dottedlines in Fig. 9. Thus positioned, the offset 29 and, in fact, all of the bolt 23 are spaced from the restraining flange 36 of the striker 22 and, therefore, may pass beneath the striker 22 to permit the door 29 to be opened. 7

After the door is opened, the handle 25 will return from the position in which it is shown in dotted lines in Fig. 9 to the position in which it is shown in solid lines. As pointed out previously, the handle 25 is so arranged that its center of gravity requires it to fall into a vertical position if released whenin a raised position. In falling into this vertical position, the handle 25 will again place the offset 29 in a generally horizontal plane. As the door approaches its closed position, the offset 29 will be in its horizontal position and will strike the inclined forward edge of the flange 36 when so positioned. Thus, the offset 29 will be moved downwardly as a result of the closing movement of the door; for it will be pushed along the inclined front edge of the flange 36 (Fig. 7). Continued downward movement of the offset 29 will cause the shank 21 and the handle 25 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction, and such movement will continue until the offset slides over the lower edge of the flange 36. After the offset, 29 has moved down the length of the inclined edge of the flange 36, it will shift upwardly into the slot between the flange 36 and the flange 35. Such upward movement of the ofiset 29 is caused by the handle 25 which is free to fall back into its vertical position after the ofiset 29 has passed theinclined edge of the flange 36. When thus positioned, the door is latched.

The purpose of the flange 35 is to prevent undesired rattling of the door, since the slot or space between the flanges 35 and 36 may be made just wide enough to accommodate the offset end 29 of the bolt 23, thus providing very little space for the door to move in and preventing any appreciable rattling or vibration of the door. Incidentally, this space between the flanges 35 and 36 maybe made smaller than the conventional clearance between the door 20 and the shelf 2! so that the structure of the striker 22 is of practical importance in minimizing the vibration or rattling of the door when it is latched.

In Fig. 8, there is shown a means for stopping excessive rotation of the handle 25. I have preferred to utilize this stop device in connection with the modification of the invention shown in Figs. 7 and 9. However, it could be used with the other forms of the invention if desired' Generally speaking, this stop device consists of a fixed stud 3'! extending outwardly from the face 26 of the sleeve 29. For example, this stud may comprise the extending head of a screw employed for fastening the sleeve in place, as shown in Fig. '7. The end face of the handle 25 contains an arcuately-shaped slot 38 into which the stud or screw head 3'! extends. Accordingly, when the handle 25 is rotated, its travel is limited by the length of the slot 38 so that it cannot rotate excessively. Naturally, the slot 38 and stud 31 are arranged to permit the handle 25 to rotate to the extent desired. I have found a stop device quite useful in connection with my invention since the door 29 may be slammed shut. As a result, the bolt 23 tends to strike the keeper 22 forcefully, which may cause the handle 25 to fiy about in a most unpleasant way. A stop device, such as the one described above, is, therefore, helpful in preventing such undesirable rotation of the handle 25.

In Figs. 10 and 11, there is illustrated still another modification of the present invention. In this modification, the bolt, shown generally at 23, resembles that of the modification shown in Figs. 4 and 5. Accordingly, there is provided a tubular member 3| which is formed integrally with the handle 25, thus making unnecessary the set screw 28 as well as the lateral bore in which it operates. Unlike the modification shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the presently discussed modification utilizes the type of striker or keeper shown in particular in Fig. '7. In other Words, the striker or keeper 22 is provided with a plate 34 utilized to fasten it to the shelf 2| and possesses a front flange 36 having an inclined edge, as well as possessing a depending rear flange 35. To the tubular member 3!, there is attached a laterally projecting fingerlike member 39 (Fig. 11) which is secured to the end of the tubular member 3| by a fastening element such as the bolt illustrated. It will be noted that the fingerlike member 39 possesses inclined sides and terminates in a rounded blunt nose.

In Fig. 11, the latching mechanism is shown in its latched position. The fingerllke member 39 is generally horizontally positioned when the door is latched andis in engagement with the rear substantially upright wall of the flange 38 to prevent the door from being pulled outwardly.

In order to unlatch the latching mechanism, the handle 25 is raised, that is, it is rotated in a counterclockwise direction to lower the fingerlike member 39. Such movement is continued until the fingerlike member 39 is able to pass beneath the depending flange 36 of the keeper, thereby permitting the door 20 to be pulled open.

After the door has been opened and the handle 25 has been released, the handle will return to a generally vertical position, as shown in Figs. and 11, thus again placing the fingerlike member 39 in a horizontal position. For the reasons fully discussed hereinbefore, the center of gravity of the handle 25 is so situated that the handle must return to a vertical position if it is released when in its raised position. Accordingly, as the door is closed, the now horizontally positioned fingerlike member 39 will approach the inclined front edge of the flange 36. Thus, the inclined edge 39 of the fingerlike member slides against the inclined edge of the flange 36, pushing the fingerlike member downwardly to rotate the bolt 23 and handle 25 in a counterclockwise direction. Such movement of the member 39 with its consequent rotation of the bolt and handle again raises the handle and continues until the member 39 slides past the inclined edge of the flange 36 and slips upwardly into the slot or space between the flanges 36 and 35. The member 39 is shifted upwardly into this space between the flanges 36 and 35 as a result of the return of the handle 25 to its vertical position. As pointed out before, the handle 25 will return to its vertical position by gravity when free to do so, and it is free to do so after the member 39 has passed the flange 33. Accordingly, the latching mechanism has been placed in its latched position to hold the door in place. It will be noted that the flanges 36 and 35 serve to tightly hold the member 39 and the bolt 23 when the mechanism is latched, thereby preventing rattling and vibration in the manner explained in detail in discussing the modification shown in Figs. 7 and 9.

I claim:

1. In a mechanism for latching a swinging door to a fixed keeper located adjacent the inner side of the door when the latter is closed, a rotatable rod adapted to extend inward through said door, said rod having a screw threaded axial bore opening at its inward end, a latch bolt comprising a rotatable shank having a screw threaded outer end detachably screwed into the bore of the rod for rotation therewith, the shank extending inward adjacent an edge of the keeper and terminating at the other end of the shank in a keeper engaging portion extending essentially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the shank and adapted in a latching position to extend adjacent the inner side of the keeper when the door is closed, means to rotate the keeper engaging portion from the latching position including a manually operable weighted handle secured to the outer end of the rod adjacent the outer side of the door, the center of gravity of the handle being oiTset from the longitudinal axis of the shank to urge the latter by gravity to the latching position, and a cam portion of said latch bolt extending in the latching position obliquely inward from the radial extremity of the keeper engaging portion beyond a plane which passes through the aforesaid edge of the keeper and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shank.

2. In a mechanism for latching a swinging door to a fixed keeper adjacent the inner side of the door in the closed position, a sleeve bushing adapted to extend inward through said door, a rotatable rod journaled in said bushing and having a screw threaded axial bore opening at its inward end, a latch bolt comprising a rotatable shank having a screw threaded outer end detachably screwed into the bore of the rod for rotation therewith, the shank extending inward adjacent an edge of the keeper and terminating at the other end of the shank in a keeper engaging portion extending essentially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the shank and adapted in a latching position to extend adjacent the inner side of the keeper when the door is closed, a jam nut screwed on the threaded end of the shank tightly against the adjacent inner end of the rod, means to rotate the keeper engaging portion from the latching position including a manually operable weighted handle secured to the outer end of the rod adjacent the outer side of the door, the center of gravity of the handle being offset from the longitudinal axis of the shank to urge the latterby gravity to the latching position, and a cam portion of said latch bolt extending in the latching position obliquely inward from the radial extremity of the keeper engaging portion beyond a plane passing through said edge of the keeper parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shank.

OSCAR E. NELSON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 490,645 Eades Jan. 31, 1893 1,251,002 Fitch Dec. 25, 1917 1,308,325 Bird July 1, 1919 1,498,959 French June 24, 1924 1,810,856 Schnell June 16, 1931 1,900,936 Huttger Mar. 14, 1933 2,334,426 McCulloch Nov. 16, 1943 

